Deep Thoughts

When I look at my BirdCam photography and tote up the traffic counts for each day, I am often struck by how often various species pay a visit to my feeders. And I am reminded that there is much controversy about the ethics and benefit of the bird feeding behind this traffic. I can't quarrel with the idea that we birdfeeders benefit more than the birds do. The birds clearly have the ability to find other foods and can survive quite nicely without us. But as long as we keep the feeders clean and provide opportunities for cover from predators, and such, are we doing such great harm? The fact that bluebirds and nuthatches and all the others come by as often as they do, in my mind, is a compliment to me for putting out dependable, nutritious food in a reasonably safe place. There is obviously something in it for them, too, or they wouldn't waste the energy paying visits. The way I figure it, it's tough enough for the songbirds in suburbs like mine, I feel honor bound to do something to ease the pinch a little. So let the chips fall where they may. I don't have any ethical problems with what I do. And I don't think my bird guests would disagree.